State department for correctional services launches monthly tree planting drive

The State Department for Correctional Services has launched a monthly tree planting campaign.

Speaking while launching the campaign at the Kitengela GK Prison, Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco said the exercise, that will take place every first Thursday of the month, is in line with the national tree growing and landscape restoration campaign as championed by President William Ruto.

“This noble initiative, championed by our President His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, calls upon each of us to rise to the occasion, to safeguard our environment, and to invest in a future where our future generation will breathe cleaner air, drink purer water, and walk beneath the shade of trees that we will plant today.” Observed the PS.

She said the State Department remains committed in leading the National Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Program, with a goal of cultivating 100 million trees annually with over 81,394 seedlings already planted within prison lands, about 40,000 donated to organizations and communities, and over 10,000 sold for further distribution.

“Let this be our collective pledge: that we will not just plant trees, but we will grow them and percolate down environmental stewardship within our spaces of influence,” urged the PS.

During Thursday’s launch, over 3,000 indigenous trees were planted at the Kitengela GK Prison, with the launch happening concurrently across all correctional facilities in the country.

Present during the ceremony was Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh, Probation and Aftercare Secretary Dr. Christine Obondi and other staff from the state Department for Correctional Services.